Hello everyone. This is Mina, the administrator of “Welcome Home, PORSCHE.” This project, “Porsche Owners File,” was born from readers’ requests to share the genuine voices of various Porsche owners. The 12th installment features a purchase, options, and driving review of the Macan S (early 2015 model) from our contributor “Kurumania.” This is the first Macan owner review on this blog, so please enjoy it.

〘Owner Information〙
・Featured car: Macan S
・Pen name: Kurumania
・Family status: 33 years old, single
・Past car history:
[Daily Use]: BMW X5 → Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 → Porsche Macan S (currently owned) + Range Rover Autobiography (currently owned) + Lexus NX300h (for work)
[Sports Cars]: BMW Z4 (E85) → 991 Carrera S (mk1) → Ferrari 458 Spider (currently owned) → 991 Carrera GTS (mk2) (currently owned)
・Message to readers:
I hope to write candidly, including the part that “Porsche is a wonderful car, but owning one does come with some frustrations.”

1) The Path to Purchase

– Why I Chose Porsche

The reason I chose Porsche boils down to “I love cars.” But my love for cars is a bit different from just being a casual enthusiast.

I’ve always had a kind of “admiration for technology,” starting with the evolution of computers, then home electronics, watches, smartphones, and so on. Over time, I came to believe that

“cars are industrial products that pack in all the cutting-edge technology of their era,” and also that “among things individuals can own, cars embody the greatest concentration of technology.”

That’s why I also like cutting-edge F1 racing.

Regarding car manufacturing technology—metal pressing, body structure, engines (especially my strong passion for engines), suspension, brakes, and more—I believe “cars are more than just industrial products.”

The differences in how manufacturers combine cutting-edge technologies, cultural differences by country, design, and so on reveal many layers through cars.

I fell deeply in love with that depth and enjoyment.

Also, with the desire to “have the skills to properly unleash a car’s performance myself,” I practice and play on circuits and elsewhere.

– Not a Porsche Fanatic

That said, I’m not particularly attached to the Porsche brand itself.

In fact, even within Porsche, there are cars I want and cars I don’t. Regarding this Macan S, it was simply “the model that best met my needs at the time.” I also own a 911 (991), and the same applies there.

– Why I Chose the Macan

I previously drove a BMW X5, then switched to a Mercedes-Benz CLS 350, but then I wanted to drive an SUV again. Even for daily use, I wanted to feel some sportiness, and just then, the Macan was announced.

Among “sport SUVs,” there was no alternative to the Macan. Because

“The Macan is the world’s top-performing sports SUV (far surpassing the Cayenne).”

I even felt “I don’t think I’d lose to a Lamborghini Urus on mountain roads lol.” The Macan is overwhelmingly sporty, so I ordered the Macan S without hesitation.

2) Specifications / Interior

– Exterior & Interior Colors

I chose the catalog colors: blue body with Luxor Beige interior. For the seats, I opted for synthetic leather instead of genuine leather.

The reason is that “if you start adding genuine leather at this class, Porsche’s option costs (including rivals) skyrocket endlessly.”

I kept the budget within the segment’s typical range. (Rivals considered were mid-size SUVs like the GLC and BMW X4.)

– Sports Chrono Package

I didn’t add the Sports Chrono Package either. Of course, it’s better for resale value, and friends tease me asking, “Did you drop your watch somewhere?” (laughs)

– Wheels

I kept the standard 18-inch wheels instead of going bigger. When I test drove 19- and 20-inch Macan S models, I felt that “the heavier suspension clearly dulls acceleration.”

That said, looking back, maybe 19-inch wheels would have been better because “sports tires start at 19 inches.” With 18-inch tires on an SUV, the sidewall flex bothers me on mountain roads, and pushing it quickly brings out understeer.

– Suspension

I wanted “sportiness even if it sacrifices some ride comfort,” so I decided against air suspension. Air suspension might be better for a daily commuter, but for sporty driving, coil springs seem preferable.

This isn’t just my opinion; Porsche reps and others say the same. However, this choice made the car less comfortable over undulating roads.

– Other Options

Since this Macan S is mainly for “commuting with highway use,” I added all safety devices like lane change assist and cruise control. Because I also own sports cars, I focused on safety rather than sporty options. (Additional side and roof airbags, etc.)

– Option Price

Options totaled about 2.5 million yen, with a final price around 10.5 million yen. Porsche comes with almost no options in the base model, so to match rivals’ equipment, you end up paying about 2 million yen extra.

That’s expensive…

But I think the extra money goes into driving performance. Still, since consumers compare within the same segment, I believe “it should be the best in price, equipment, and driving performance all within that range.”

3) Delivery Process

– Macan Delivery Delayed

I ordered in October, initially told delivery would be in March, but it kept getting delayed. I placed the order because the Mercedes-Benz CLS I was replacing had inspection due in August, and I was promised delivery by then, but things got uncertain.

Well, delays are more the manufacturer’s fault than the dealer’s, but the sales rep’s response was poor… no contact unless I reached out, and when I did, they’d say “I was just about to contact you!” every time lol.

Honestly, Porsche dealer hospitality and service were disappointing. Personally, I think Cornes dealers have better staff training.

By the way, I heard that under Porsche AG’s guidance, mystery shopper customer satisfaction surveys ranked Japan lowest among countries. Maybe Japanese customers have very high expectations, but my experience made me wonder if the dealer’s service was also at fault.

– Macan Delivery Timing

In the end, the Macan didn’t arrive before the CLS inspection in August, so I had to sell the CLS first. The dealer provided a beat-up early Prius as a loaner, and said BMW or Audi loaners would cost extra.

“You told me Macan delivery would be as early as March and at worst by August for the CLS inspection, so I ordered it. Yet BMW and Audi loaners cost extra? Meanwhile, other customers get Carrera or Cayman loaners for service visits… w”

(By the way, when my Lexus delivery was delayed last year, they prepared the exact same car I ordered.) I thought, “Porsche dealers treat young or new customers terribly… lol.”

So, the Macan S was delivered after Obon holidays.

However, I think this was more about the individual sales rep’s level than Porsche itself. I didn’t trust that rep, so when ordering the Carrera S six months later, I asked to change reps.

That’s how the Macan got off to a rough start lol.

– After-Sales Service Accidents

Afterward, there were several after-sales mishaps:

1) After the first oil change at the dealer, I noticed several oil-like spots on the driver and passenger seats.
2) After a hit-and-run in a coin parking lot, when I picked up the repaired car, all the audio HDD data was wiped lol.
3) After the one-year inspection, when picking up the car, I found the ashtray lid broken, so I had to bring it back in lol.

I felt this was unacceptable and pointed it out.

– After Buying the Carrera S…

After buying the Carrera S, dealer service improved, and since changing reps, it’s been neither good nor bad—just satisfactory.

I don’t expect over-the-top hospitality, so “just solid, proper service is enough for me.” If I don’t like the rep’s attitude or personality, I think it’s fine to ask for a change or even switch dealers, though it’s hard to say.

I’ll write more about this in the Carrera Porsche Owners File review.

That said, after buying the Carrera and visiting the Ferrari dealer, loaner cars suddenly upgraded to current Cayman or Carrera models, so the service definitely changed (sweat).

4) Impressions of Owning the Macan

① Engine

As an engine enthusiast, my image of Porsche engines is that they are “well-crafted engines,” but few really move me deeply or have a strong character. (Except for sports boxer sixes.)

So the Macan S’s V6 turbo engine doesn’t particularly excite me; it just feels like a well-made engine.

② Transmission

One reason I was attracted to the Macan S was that it “has a dual-clutch transmission in an SUV.” This gives a unique connection during sporty driving that other SUVs can’t match.

On the other hand, for daily use, I wonder if PDK suits a heavy SUV. PDK doesn’t pair well with idle stop; the engine stops and starts during clutch engagement and disengagement, causing jerks.

This was true for early models; it might have improved after the facelift (I haven’t confirmed).

Also, coming from a Mercedes-Benz CLS, though a different segment, I feel there are some issues.

After owning the Macan for 3 years and over 70,000 km, PDK is fine, but I’ve noticed some jerking in the transaxle and shuddering on starts (repeated sudden clutch engagements or sudden throttle openings at low speeds).

The dealer said repairs would cost about 200,000 yen, so I’m thinking it might be time to sell.

③ Handling / Brakes

For SUVs, I don’t think any other brand can beat the Macan S, GTS, or Turbo.

There’s definitely nothing that surpasses the Macan among SUVs.

That said, it’s not quite on par with sports cars. It’s still a high-riding SUV, so if you expect too much “sports car” feel, you might be disappointed.

You can drive winding roads comfortably and enjoyably at a decent pace, but beyond that, you realize “it’s still an SUV.”

Still, performance is excellent. The wider tread compared to the Audi Q5 enhances cornering fun. Due to the Haldex 5 system and front-engine layout, the front tends to be heavy, causing understeer in sporty driving.

If judged as a sports car, it’s lacking, but as an SUV, it scores 120 points.

④ Fuel Economy

It’s average. Around town, 7-8 km/L; on highways, high 11 km/L (I couldn’t maintain 12 km/L no matter how careful). Overall, about 10-11 km/L.

No complaints on fuel economy, but the Macan’s fuel tank feels small for this type of SUV (65L). So while fuel economy is average, the small tank means more frequent refueling, giving an impression of poor economy.

⑤ Ride Comfort and Feel

Because I prioritized sportiness, the ride is firm and you can clearly feel the damper stiffness, unlike other SUVs. I think the Macan’s ride is even too stiff for its performance.

Body rigidity is higher than other brands, but it doesn’t absorb shocks in one go like a Carrera; undulations persist somewhat.

No problem on highways, but small bumps, old asphalt, or rough roads in town feel quite uncomfortable.

This is with 18-inch thick tires, so 20- or 21-inch wheels might be even more noticeable. In that sense, air suspension would likely improve this.

Also, wind noise and overall sound insulation at high speeds are quite noticeable.

⑥ Daily Use

For a mid-size SUV, it’s not very nimble. Making a U-turn on a two-lane road requires careful line choice. I often see wives using the Macan for shopping and wonder, “Why choose a Macan for that?” lol.

I think the Macan’s sales success in Japan owes a lot to successful branding.

⑦ Favorite Point

I like the rear design.

5) Options I Would Definitely Choose Next Time

Since I bought it mainly for commuting, I wasn’t picky about options. That said, for the Macan, I think the only real choice is the GTS (the GTS wasn’t available when I was buying).

Adding options to the S basically brings you to GTS specs, so the GTS with many standard features is a better deal. Resale value is also much stronger.

6) Concerns

Compared to other European cars, the Macan’s maintenance costs seem high, including parts and service.

Keeping it healthy costs a fair amount. Whether you buy a maintenance-free package or not, it seems like just a difference between paying upfront or as you go.

Also, maybe because Porsche isn’t yet fully experienced with non-sports cars, on rainy days or just after rain, if you open the window with water pooled heavily on the roof, a large splash of water falls inside.

Basic water drainage and such still lag behind the European Big Three.

7) Overall Evaluation

– Who I Recommend the Macan For

If asked, “Would you recommend the Macan to everyone?” I’d say I only recommend it to those with very specific needs.

“People who have only one car and strongly want to do sports driving, but daily use forces them to choose an SUV.”

For such people, the Macan S or above is perfect. Seriously.

Because driving on mountain roads is so much fun.

On the other hand, if you rarely drive mountain roads but want some sportiness, the GLC43 might be better. You don’t necessarily need a super sports SUV.

Because “other SUVs beat the Macan in everything except sports driving and brand appeal.”

With the Macan, many features standard on rivals are optional, so adding them raises the price to rival higher-class models, changing your whole buying decision.

Maybe this feeling comes from owning sports cars, but I ask myself, “Is it worth sacrificing so much to get sports performance in an SUV?”

The Macan is 100 points in sportiness but only 50-60 points elsewhere. It’s not a well-rounded package.

The European Big Three make cars scoring 70-80 points across the board.

So, as I said, I recommend the Macan to the niche who want “one car that prioritizes sports while driving an SUV.”

That said, since I own sports cars alongside the Macan, my complaints stand out more. For someone with only one car, it might be perfect.

– What You Only Learn After Owning

Before buying, test drives show only the good parts: “As expected, Porsche! So sporty!”

But after 3.5 years, many inconveniences appear.

Most of these inconveniences don’t exist in Mercedes, BMW, Audi, etc.

But I think all these daily stresses come from prioritizing performance. The Macan is undisputed in SUV performance. But it’s unbeatable only among SUVs; it can’t compete with sports cars, so don’t expect that level of sportiness.

Finally –

Actually, last fall I bought a Lexus NX300h, the complete opposite of the Macan, for work.

Of course, I don’t expect sporty driving from Lexus, nor do I want it. I set cruise control on the highway and drive comfortably every day. (Comparing to Lexus is extreme, but it made me appreciate how balanced BMW and Mercedes cars are.)

Because of that, I still want to drive the Macan sometimes… so I haven’t sold it yet.

8) What Porsche Means to Me

I’m neither a Porsche fanatic nor a Ferrari fanatic lol. But since I trust Porsche’s “performance first” philosophy, I ended up owning three Porsches.

Porsche fits my needs perfectly, and I’ll probably always own at least one.

Also, I’m always impressed by Porsche’s build quality, especially the precision of assembly rather than just body rigidity. Ferrari has high body rigidity, but Porsche’s suspension connection rigidity is far superior. That’s the biggest thrill when driving a Porsche.

I’ll share more about this in the Carrera review later.

〘Blog Administrator’s Thoughts〙
Kurumania’s Macan review was very insightful. It contained real information you can only get from ownership, not just test drives. The key when choosing a car is to clearly define “what you want from the car,” whether it’s brand value, sportiness, or daily use. Depending on that axis, the same car can be rated very differently or felt completely differently. This review reminded me of the depth of car selection. Thank you, Kurumania!